Patch system and method for oil boom

ABSTRACT

An apparatus, system, and method for repairing or reinforcing a damaged oil containment boom. The apparatus includes two end connectors and a curtain attached between the two end connectors. The end connectors are attached to a damaged, existing boom via a vertically extending slot formed in each of the end connectors. After attachment, a tight seal is formed between the curtain and the damaged boom. The method for reinforcing a boom includes engaging the two end connectors to an existing boom while stretching the curtain over the damaged boom section in an overlapping relationship. Finally, the connectors are locked into place via a lock-pin mechanism. This invention creates a tight seal over the damaged area, creating a “patch” to keep out oil contaminants from the protected area. The disclosed invention can be used to repair, patch, or reinforce an existing oil containment boom.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation application of my application Ser. No. 14/564,757filed on Dec. 9, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,410,301, entitled “A patchsystem and method for oil boom,” the full disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein and priority of which is herebyclaimed.

BACKGROUND

Due to an increase in oil production and oil transportation, there is anincrease in accidental oil spills. Oil spills can be both devastatingand disastrous to ecological and marine environments. It can also affectphysical resources, as well as a wide range of organisms that are linkedin a complex food chain. This food chain also includes human foodresources that are essential. Oil spills can harm living things becauseits chemical constituents are poisonous. Various types of freshwater andmarine habitats that exist in nature have different sensitivities to theharmful effects of oil contamination, as well as different abilities torecuperate. Although some organisms may be seriously injured or killedvery soon after contact with the oil in a spill, other effects are moresubtle and often longer lasting. For example, freshwater organisms areat risk of being smothered by oil that is carried by the current, or ofbeing slowly poisoned by long-term exposure to oil trapped in shallowwater or stream beds. In addition, oil can potentially have catastrophiceffects on birds and mammals.

Oil spills can happen in open seas, as well in navigable waterways.Moreover, damage to even a moderate sized oil tanker can result in theleakage of thousands of barrels of oil into the waters around thetanker. A blow-out in an off shore oil rig, can also result indisastrous damage to the environment, as well as the economy.Furthermore, when such oil spills occur close to a shoreline, the dangerof damaging fragile environmental ecosystems is considerably higher.

One method for controlling the damage of an oil spill is with the use ofoil-containment systems, where inflatable “booms” surround the spilluntil the oil can be collected. Boom systems prevent the spill fromexpanding or reaching a protected area such as a shoreline, until it canbe collected by mechanical means. A typical boom system employs aplurality of boom sections joined end to end. Each boom section includesa plurality of parallel inflatable chambers that are joined with aweighted curtain. The boom sections are connected by a cable on top andby a weight member (such as a chain) on the bottom. Because boom systemscan remain in water for long periods of time, there are incidents whereboom sections become damaged. The damage can either be caused by objectsin the water, or by strong water currents. A damaged boom can be just asdisastrous as the original oil spill itself. For example, a tear in aboom can no longer contain the oil, nor can it prevent oil from reachinga shoreline.

To help detect damaged booms, environmental protection agencies requirethat boom systems be regularly inspected. Thus, if a breach occurs, theboom must be repaired on site. Furthermore, some repairs require removalof an entire boom section, which can span over 100 ft. in length.Ideally, once a boom section is removed, another boom section is broughtin to replace it. However, the time needed to remove and replace a boomsection of such an enormous length can take hours. Furthermore, once thedamaged boom section is removed, contaminated water will be able to flowfreely upon the shoreline. This could be disastrous as miles ofshoreline and plenty of wildlife will be at risk.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide anapparatus for repairing an oil-containment boom leak.

It is another object of the invention to provide a method for repairingan oil-containment boom damage that can be readily performed.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a system forrepairing or reinforcing an area of an oil-containment boom that canprovide protection against oil spills.

These and other objects of the invention are achieved through aprovision of a oil boom repair system. The oil boom repair systemincludes two end connectors and a curtain attached between the endconnectors. The end connectors are also used to attach the curtain to adamaged, existing boom via an opening slot in the connector. The systemfor repairing of replacing an existing boom includes forming a tightseal between the curtain and existing boom.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the various disclosed embodiments can beobtained when the following detailed description is considered inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustrative marsh environment in which the disclosedembodiments may be employed;

FIG. 2 is an illustrative view of the boom repair system of thepresented invention position upon an existing boom section;

FIG. 3 shows another illustrative view of the boom repair system of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 4A and 4B show a side and top view, respectively, of an endconnector;

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate methods of attachment of the boom repairsystem of the present invention to an existing boom;

FIG. 6 illustrates the compatibility to a universal boom connector; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a locked end connector of boom repair system of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The problems and issues identified in the background are at least partlyaddressed by the apparatus, system, and methods disclosed herein. Anapparatus for boom repair includes at least one end connector and acurtain attached to the end connector. The curtain is attached betweentwo end connectors. The end connectors are also used to attach thecurtain to a damaged, existing boom via an opening slot in theconnector. The system for repairing of replacing an existing boomincludes forming a tight seal between the curtain and existing boom.

The method for reinforcing a boom includes connecting one end of acurtain to an existing boom, and connecting another end of the samecurtain to the same, existing boom. Both connections are secured inplace by sliding the end connectors over the existing boom at separateareas that covers the damaged section of the existing boom. Next, theend connectors are locked in place via a lock-pin mechanism. Thiscreates a tight seal over the damaged area, creating a “patch” to keepout oil contaminants from the protected area. The disclosed inventioncan be used to repair, patch, or reinforce an existing oil containmentboom.

The disclosed apparatus, system, and methods are best understood in asuitable usage context. Accordingly, FIG. 1 illustrates a marshenvironment 102 located along a shoreline that would require protectionfrom contaminated waters 104. The existing boom 108 is attempting toprovide protection of the marsh environment 102. The existing boom 108includes one or more floatation members 110 to provide buoyancy in thewater. The existing boom 108 also includes a weighted member, such as achain 112 to connect a boom section 113 to other boom sections or to endanchors 114. The chain 112 also serves the purpose of weighing down thecurtain 116 area of the existing boom. Anchor points can be createdevery 50 ft along the length of the existing boom 108 by attachinganchors 114 to the chain 112 in spaced intervals. Boom sections 113 cantypically be about 100 ft long in length.

Because booms 108 can remain in waters for long periods of time, thereare incidents where booms 108 become damaged, as illustrated by thedamaged area 118. The damaged area 118 can be created or caused by avariety of factors. Also, there can be a number of problems that wouldbe classified as damage. For example, a boom can become torn. A tear inthe boom can either be caused by random objects in the water, or bystrong water currents. Another common failure that could create a damagearea 118 is an excess of contaminated matter that had saturated theboom. A saturated boom losses buoyancy and can begin to sink. Thus, adamaged boom due to saturation will not provide the proper protectionneeded from contaminated waters 104. Further, a damaged area 118 on aboom can allow contaminated waters 104 to reach the marsh environment102 and shoreline, causing considerable damage to the vegetation andwild life.

Conventional repairs normally require removal of an entire damaged boomsection 113, which could be about 100 ft in length. The replacement ofan entire damaged boom section 113 could take hours to complete.Contaminated waters 104 will be able to flow freely toward the marshenvironment 102 and shoreline, during replacement of the boom section113. In addition, substantial damage can be done to the marshenvironment 102 by the contaminated waters 104 during replacement of theentire boom section 113. The present invention is constructed to serveas a repair or “patch” system to the damaged area 118 of the existingboom 108, thus providing protection of the marsh environment 102 andshoreline from contaminated waters 104.

FIG. 2 illustrates an oil boom repair system 201 attached to an existingboom 202 affected by a damage area 203. The existing boom 202 includes aplurality of buoyant floatation members 204 to provide buoyancy in thewater. The existing boom 202 also includes a weighted member, such as achain 206, which connects adjacent boom sections to each other. The oilboom repair system 201 is attached to the existing boom 202 by endconnectors 208. The oil boom repair system 201 includes a curtain member210 that is also weighted down by chains 211. The curtain 210 alsoincludes a flotation member 213 in its top portion. The floatationmember 213 is sealed inside the curtain member. In the preferredembodiment, the floatation member can be of cylindrical configurationand formed from closed cell foam. The curtain member 210 is part of theoil boom repair system 201 and is securely attached to the endconnectors 208. The end connectors are locked in place by the rigidlocking bars 215. The curtain member 210 is formed fromliquid-impermeable materials, for instance vinyl. Alternatively, thecurtain 210 can be made of any flexible material with relatively hightensile strength and sheer strength that is liquid impermeable.

In the preferred embodiment, the end connectors 208 are designed andbuilt with a 45° plane that helps the curtain 210 of the oil boom repairsystem 201 to create a tight seal 205 upon the damage area 203 of theexisting boom 202. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the damage area203 is shown as a tear in the boom. It should be noted that the oil boomrepair system 201 can be used to repair other types of damages as well.In fact, the oil boom repair system 201 is able to reinforce an existingboom 202, as needed. Moreover, wind and water currents, which may haveinitially caused the damage area 203, can now be used to help secureplacement of the oil boom repair system 201, as well as help form atight seal 205 of the curtain 210 of the oil boom repair system 201 uponthe existing boom 202. Additional support is also provided via the extraset of weighted chains 211 of the oil boom repair system 201. Preferredembodiments of the present disclosure can be added over a small area ofan existing boom or to a large area over hundreds of feet in length.

FIG. 3 is a closer view of the oil boom repair system 201, whichincludes a pair of mirror image end connectors 208 supporting a curtainmember 210. The curtain member 210 includes a top portion with one ormore flotation members 213 secured thereto. The top portion is providedwith a small opening for a cable 217 to run through, and a bottomportion 220 supporting a weighted chain 211. The curtain member 210 canbe made of vinyl material. The vinyl material will help block oil, trashand debris in contaminated waters. If properly maintained the durableoil boom repair system will provide years of service to oil boomsections.

In the preferred embodiment, the curtain member 210 hangs below thesurface of the water at a little over 12 inches to keep pollutants fromcreeping under the spill containment boom section. The flotationmember(s) 213 in the top area keeps the oil boom repair system 201 floatat the water line, and the lower portion 220 is used to support theweighted ballast, such as chain 211 that exerts a downward force on thecurtain member 210 below the surface of the water. In one aspect of theinvention, the oil boom repair system 201 utilizes a galvanized steelchain 211 to run through the length of the curtain member 210, thus,adding weight and additional rigidity to the boom.

The floatation member(s) 213 is sealed inside the curtain. In one of theembodiments, each floatation member is shaped as a cylinder and formedof closed cell foam. The curtain member 210 has sufficient longitudinaland vertical dimensions to cover the damaged section when stretchedbetween the first end connector and the second end connector that havebeen engaged with the boom. Although different colors could be used, oneof the embodiments of the oil boom repair system 201 may have a yellowcurtain member 210, so that the oil boom repair system 201 system can beeasily located in any weather.

Conveniently, the oil boom repair system 201 can be designed at anylength to suit the needs of the damaged area of the existing boom. Theadjustable length can be obtained through the use of conventional,universal slide connectors 315. FIG. 3 shows the use of these universalslide connectors 315 at the center of the curtain member 210, as well asat the ends of the curtain member between the curtain member 210 and theend connector 208. The universal slide connectors 315 can be made frommarine-grade aluminum. The universal slide connectors 315 areconstructed to hold hydrocarbons or debris from getting through in theareas where boom sections are connected. The oil boom repair system 201can be deployed by operators 317 by having the operators 317 attach itto the existing oil containment booms from a floating vessel orstationary docks within minutes. The oil boom repair system 201 can beused in marinas, inland waterways, and in harbors.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show the end connector 208 in more detail. FIG. 4Aillustrates a side view, and FIG. 4B shows a top view of the endconnector of the oil boom repair system 201. As can be seen in thedrawings, the end connector 208 comprises a pair of integrally unitaryconnected elongated planar portions 402 and 406. The first portion 402is inclined in relation to a normal plane 403 of the second portion 406;and the angle of inclination designated as “a” in FIG. 4B can be 45degrees. This angle on the end connector helps to provide a tightcurtain-to-curtain seal and attachment of the oil boom repair system toan existing boom. Other embodiments or variations may use a differentangle. Wind and water currents also facilitate secure placement of theoil boom repair system, as well as help in forming a tight seal of thecurtains of the oil boom repair system and of the existing boom.

In one of the exemplary embodiments, each end connectors 208 is about 30inches in height, 10 inches in length, and 1 inch in width. Each endconnector 208 can be made of marine grade aluminum.

A T-shaped slot 404 is formed in the second portion 406. The slot 404extends from a bottom edge 405 a distance upwardly along the height ofthe end connector portion 406. A first part 409 of the slot 404 extendslongitudinally upwardly from the bottom edge 405, and a boom-receivingopening 408 is defined by the bottom of the slot 404. The first part 409of the slot 404 can be about 0.5-inch in width.

A second part 410 of the slot 404 is formed transversely to thelongitudinal part 409 a distance from an upper edge 412 of the body. Thesecond part 410 has sufficient width to allow an operator 317 to graspthe end connector 208 when positioning or removing the end connector 208from the oil containment boom. In one exemplary embodiment thetransverse part 410 of the slot 404 can be 3.5 inch in length to alloweasy handling of the end connector 208.

A rigid locking bar 407 is pivotally secured to a lower part of theportion 406 a distance from the elongated slot 404; the locking bar isused for locking and securing the end connector 208 to an existing boomby securing the rigid locking bar 407 to bottom of the end connectorportion 406 to close the slot opening 408, the closing area 406 via alock-pin mechanism after the end connector 208 has been positioned onthe damaged oil containment boom.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate methods of attachment of the oil boom repairsystem end connector 208 to an existing boom 202. The attachment of theoil boom repair system end connector 208 to an existing boom 202 isrelatively simple and can be completed in minutes. An operator 505slides the end connector 208 of the oil boom repair system over theexisting boom 202 using the slot 404. The existing boom 202 (althoughdamaged or saturated) has a curtain 116 and weighted chain 206, as shownin FIG. 5A. The method for repairing or reinforcing a boom includesconnecting one end connector 208 and a second mirror image end connectorto the existing boom 202 on another side of the damaged area of the boom202. Next, the installation method includes locking the end connectors208 in place via a lock-and-pin mechanism 407 by an operator 505, asshown in FIG. 5B. The lock and pin mechanism secures the oil boom repairsystem in place, and allows the repair to withstand strong wind andwater currents.

FIG. 6 illustrates the compatibility of the end connectors with auniversal boom connector 601. Under this embodiment, the operator 603simply slides the end connector 208 into the universal boom connector601 and secures it in place. This feature of the invention makes it easyand suitable for other users in the oil boom containment industry. Thecurtain member 210 of the oil boom repair system includes and is alreadysewn or securely clamped onto a universal boom connector 601, similar toa typical, existing boom section. Next, the universal boom connector 601slides onto the end connector 208. Typical connectors can be providedwith the various jaw configurations by mating two connectors together.Typical connector/jaw configurations are defined by the American Societyfor Testing and Materials (ASTM) and also by industrial configurations.The present embodiment is compatible with connectors 601 that includetwo flat plates bolted through a fabric member, wherein a connecting jawor other connecting interface is utilized to mate two connectors at thejunction of the two boom sections. The present embodiment supplies agood connection that is secure and strong, and prevents oil leaks. Theconnection between the oil boom repair system end connector 208 and theuniversal connector 601 is important, because common failure of the oilboom is often at the connector.

The oil boom repair system's compatible end connector 208 is easy tomanipulate. This is particularly important because rough weather makeconnections very difficult to maintain. In the preferred embodiment, theoil boom repair system end connector 208 is compatible with typical oilboom connectors that are extruded from aluminum alloy, and fabricated tostandard oil boom connector lengths (12″, 18″, 24″ or 36″ lengths). Theoil boom repair system end connector 208 is fabricated to connect withstandard bolt-hole pattern plates. The present embodiment is compatiblewith standard industry connectors 601 that are either male or female.The oil boom repair system end connector 208 is designed to meet typicalASTM standards, and designed to be compatible with other connectionprofiles, including “Z” connectors and light duty mini-slide connectors.

FIG. 6 also illustrates the pin 604 and chain 605 of the lockingmechanism for securing the oil boom repair system end connector 208 toan existing boom. The pin 604 and chain 605 is linked to a pivotal,rigid locking bar 407 that rotates to open and close the T-shaped slot404 of the end connector 208. The rigid locking bar 407 is pivotallysecured to a lower part of the second planar portion 406 a distance fromthe elongated slot. The locking bar 407 pivots about a pivot pin 609,which extends through the locking bar and is secured to the endconnector portion 406. The locking bar 407 carries a flexible securingmember, for instance chain 605 suspended from the locking bar 407 andconfigured for free pivotal movement about the pivot pin 609. A free endof the securing chain carries a locking pin 604. An aperture 610 isformed in the locking bar 407 a distance from the pivot pin 609. Acorresponding opening 611 is formed in the second planar portion of therigid body of the end connector 208. The locking pin 604 is configuredfor engagement within the aperture 610 of the locking bar 606 and theopening 611 in second portion 406 when the locking bar 407 is pivoted toalign the aperture 610 and the opening 611. The locking bar 407detachably secures the boom repair member on the portion of the oilcontainment boom, while preventing disengagement of the end connectorsfrom the oil containment boom. When engaged with the boom the lockingbar extends under the boom.

In alternative embodiments, the attachment or connecting portion of thepresent invention is made of a material having endurance and strengthwith respect to a mechanical load such as bending, tensile, compression,and kink, taking use in sea or waterways into consideration. It isdesired that the entire oil boom repair system (including the endconnectors) have a lightweight, except the bottom portion of thecurtain.

FIG. 7 illustrates a locked end connector 208. The end connector 702 canbe fabricated as any type of lightweight non-corrosive material, forinstance marine grade aluminum. The T-shaped slot 404 allows for easymanipulation and installation by an operator. The slot 404 also allowsfor a top cable to pivot, and not bind up. In this illustration,bolt-receiving openings 450 can be seen spaced along a vertical edge 452of the first portion 402. The openings 450 are designed to match spacedopenings on the universal boom connector 601, as described above.

The elongated member or locking bar 407 closes the opening slot 404 ofthe end connector 208, after it is placed upon an existing boom. Theopening slot 404 is closed and secured by the lock-and-pin mechanism.Different embodiments can utilize various locking mechanisms. Forexample, the end connector 208 can be secured and locked into place viaa hitch pin (or any variation). These are simple forms of hardware usedto temporarily mount or conjoin mating components. Virtually any type ofpin requires at least one predrilled hole that is meant to hold andretain the end connector 208 has two mating segments are aligned andthen held in position by the pin 604. In order to help prevent the lossof the pin 604, a 6-inch chain 605 connects the pin 604 to the rigidlocking bar member 407. Other embodiments can utilize a different chainlength, as needed.

In one embodiment, a hitch pin (as well as a clevis pin) requires anadditional cotter pin inserted perpendicularly to lock the pin inposition. In other embodiments, lynch pins, detent pins, snapper pins,safety spring pins, and toggle pins all contain integral lockingmechanisms. Like other pins, these mechanisms are meant to resist shearforces, which make them fundamentally different than bolts and screws.Sometimes these can be used as shear pins in mechanical overloadsituations.

As discussed via the presented embodiments, the oil boom repair systemcan be applied to existing booms that are already deployed in the openwaters. The quick application makes it efficient, and avoids exposingshoreline to oil contaminants. The quick application also makes it lessdifficult to deploy during bad weather and stormy seas. Further, the oilboom repair system makes it easier to improve techniques used to cleanup an oil spill, thus, cutting down response time. This contributes tothe protection of various environments, including open seas, coastalwaters, and wetlands. Pollution-control measures including containmentand removal of the oil (either by skimming, filtering, etc), are able toimprove with use and availability of the oil boom repair system. Oilspill countermeasures to clean up and remove the oil are selected andapplied on the basis of many interrelated factors, including ecologicalprotection, socioeconomic effects, and health risk. It is important tohave contingency plans in place in order to deploy pollution controlpersonnel and equipment efficiently. The rate of recovery of theenvironment when an oil spill occurs depends on factors such as oilcomposition and resource availability. The presented embodiments hereingreatly improve the resources available for oil spill clean-up andcontainment.

Different embodiments for oil boom repair system are presented. In atleast one embodiment, the oil boom repair system for boom repairincludes two mirror image end connectors with a portion fabricated at45° from the plane surface of the other portion. The flexibleliquid-impermeable curtain member is attached between the two rigid endconnectors. The end connectors are also used to attach the oil boomrepair system to a damaged, existing boom via the end connector'sopening slot. This presented disclosure is used for repairing ofreinforcing an existing boom by forming a tight seal between the curtainand existing boom with the use of the angled end connectors.

Another embodiment presented, introduced a suitable application method.This embodiment includes connecting one end connector of the instant oilboom repair system to an existing boom and engaging it to an existingboom connector. The second end connector is engaged with the boom on theother side of the damaged section so that the damaged area is covered bythe extension of the curtain member, whereby the damaged section becomeisolated and sealed from the contaminated water. Both connections areattached by sliding the connectors over the existing boom. Next, theconnectors are locked into place via a lock-pin mechanism. Thisembodiment also creates a tight seal over the damaged area, creating a“patch” to keep out oil contaminants from the protected area. Thedisclosed invention can be used to repair, patch, or reinforce anexisting boom that could subject to the problems such as tears,saturation, or other damage.

Numerous other variations and modifications will become apparent tothose skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated.It is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace allsuch variations and modifications.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for repairing an oilcontainment boom having a damaged section, the apparatus comprising: afirst end connector having an elongated rigid planar body having a pairof planar portions oriented at an acute angle in relation to each other,one of the planar portions of the first end connector is provided with aT-shaped slot having a first part extending from the bottom edge of thebody and a second part extending transversely to the first part, thesecond part being formed a distance below an upper edge of the body; asecond end connector having an elongated rigid planar body having a pairof planar portions oriented at an acute angle in relation to each other,one of the planar portions of the second end connector is provided witha T-shaped slot having a first part extending from the bottom edge ofthe body and a second part extending transversely to the first part, thesecond part being formed a distance below an upper edge of the body, thesecond end connector being a mirror image of the first end connector,the first end connector and the second end connector each beingconfigured to engage the oil containment boom a distance from each otherand on opposite sides of the damaged section when lowered onto the oilcontainment boom; and a liquid-impermeable curtain member extendingbetween and engageable with the first end connector and the second endconnector, the curtain member having sufficient longitudinal andvertical dimensions to cover the damaged section when stretched betweenthe first end connector and the second end connector engaged with theboom.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first end connector andsaid second end connector are made of marine grade aluminum.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein said curtain member is made of vinyl. 4.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a buoyant flotation member is enclosedin a top portion of said curtain member.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the curtain member has a bottom portion and wherein a weightedballast is secured to the bottom portion.
 6. An apparatus for repairingan oil containment boom having a damaged section, the apparatuscomprising: a first end connector having an elongated planar bodycomprising a first planar portion and a second planar portion orientedat an acute angle in relation to the first planar portion, the secondplanar portion being provided with a T-shaped slot extending from abottom edge of the body a distance upwardly; a second end connectorhaving an elongated planar body comprising a first planar portion and asecond planar portion oriented at an acute angle in relation to thefirst planar portion, the second planar portion being provided with aT-shaped slot extending from a bottom edge of the body a distanceupwardly, the second end connector being a mirror image of the first endconnector, the first end connector and the second end connector eachbeing configured to engage the oil containment boom within respectiveT-shaped slots when the end connectors are lowered onto the oilcontainment boom a distance from each other and on opposite sides of thedamaged section; and a liquid-impermeable curtain member extendingbetween the first end connector and the second end connector, thecurtain member having sufficient longitudinal and vertical dimensions tocover the damaged section when stretched between the first end connectorand the second end connector engaged with the boom.
 7. An apparatus forrepairing an oil containment boom having a damaged section, theapparatus comprising: a first end connector having an elongated rigidplanar body having a pair of planar portions oriented at an acute anglein relation to each other, one of the planar portions being providedwith a T-shaped slot extending from a bottom edge of the body a distanceupwardly; a second end connector having an elongated rigid planar bodyhaving a pair of planar portions oriented at an acute angle in relationto each other, one of the planar portions being provided with a T-shapedslot extending from a bottom edge of the body a distance upwardly, thesecond end connector being a mirror image of the first end connector,slotted portions of the first end connector and the second end connectoreach being configured to engage the oil containment boom a distance fromeach other and on opposite sides of the damaged section; and aliquid-impermeable curtain member extending between and engageable withthe first end connector and the second end connector, the curtain memberhaving sufficient longitudinal and vertical dimensions to cover thedamaged section when stretched between the first end connector and thesecond end connector engaged with the boom.